Radio Free Riverside, anchored by Joy Silver on the United America Network, delivers a sweeping, unfiltered look at the forces shaping Riverside County and Southern California. This episode confronts education funding shortfalls as Riverside Unified School District approves dozens of potential layoffs tied to declining enrollment and expiring grants. It examines accountability in law enforcement through a record-breaking federal verdict against a sheriff’s deputy and raises urgent questions about Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s leadership, political ambitions, and departmental performance. Labor unrest dominates the healthcare landscape as Kaiser pharmacy workers return from a targeted strike while more than 31,000 nurses remain on open-ended picket lines. Housing justice takes center stage amid lawsuits over Riverside City Council’s rejection of a $20.1 million Homekey Plus housing project. Public health warnings intensify with new measles cases spreading locally, underscoring vaccination risks. The episode closes with civic action, spotlighting grassroots oversight efforts and upcoming “No Kings” rallies across Riverside County.
Takeaways:
- Riverside schools may eliminate over 30 positions due to funding and enrollment declines
- A Victorville man wins a historic $27.3 million verdict in a non-fatal deputy shooting case
- Kaiser pharmacy and lab workers end a short strike as nurses continue an open-ended walkout
- Riverside City Council faces lawsuits over rejection of a $20.1 million housing grant
- ACLU alleges potential violations of fair housing and state housing laws
- Measles cases rise in Western Riverside County, highlighting vaccination risks
- Sheriff Chad Bianco’s record and political ambitions face sharp scrutiny
- Grassroots organizers push for civilian oversight and upcoming “No Kings” rallies
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